Within the UT Kring, we are working as a group on "Taiji", an ancient Eastern technique to (learn to) relax consciously.
Under the guidance of a teacher movement, meditation and some Eastern philosophy give you tools to better put aside the daily Western hectic.
The aim is well-being and we focus on what is in it for you.
No lofty or woolly theories, but practical things for body and mind, for anyone who is open to other insights and wants to broaden their horizon.
Whatever you get out of it, it is at least an enjoyable hour of relaxation!
Contact
Jan Freerk Popma
e-mail: j.f.popma@utwente.nl
tel: 053 489 4321
Rob Beltman
e-mail: r.h.beltman@utwente.nl
tel: 053 489 5785
Statements from a few participants
Disclaimer: translated from Dutch*
The first few lessons, I wondered what I was doing and looked a bit strange at the movements we had to perform. Gradually, especially after the teacher's explanation, I understood that it was all about the attention these movements require from you. You learn to concentrate on that in such a way that you put the rest of your thoughts aside. So you also learn to feel how you make the movements. Therein lies the ultimate goal! Using calm, mindful movements, putting your thoughts aside and actually experiencing peace. That's what it means to me.
Rob
A few years ago, out of curiosity, I went with someone to see what it was like. After a few times, I discovered that you can have pretty big blind spots for yourself. In the beginning, I was a bit awkward about it but gradually it started to come alive and I have been able to loosen up. In a personally difficult time, this has been an important tool in learning to get peace of mind. However, it is not something you "get the hang of" after a few lessons, it takes some time and patience to experience that, with practice, peace and balance are indeed possible.
Jan Freerk
Practice
Practice from Paul Grefte on Thursday 12.30 tot 13.30 at Boerderij Bosch.
Paul Grefte
San Qi Dao
(The Path of Three Energies)
paulgrefte@sanqidao.n
www.sanqidao.nl
Taiji Tao & QiGong
Taiji Tao is moving in a calm and relaxed way so that the body and mind relax. The roots of Taiji Tao and Qi Gong are in China.
You move slowly, allowing you to feel and experience the movements. You focus your attention on the movement. This allows you to clear your head. The calm and quiet flowing movements of Taiji Tao contain a lot of power. The movement forms of Taiji Tao and QiGong have a dynamic softness and therefore no weakness. This softness ensures that the energy in your body is recharged and balanced. This benefits your entire well-being, both physically and mentally. After an hour of Taiji, you will be good to go.
It is a way of moving in which you come to yourself and relax. You also learn how to relax in all kinds of circumstances. What you learn in the classes you can apply in everyday life. It makes you more stress-resistant.
Current participants can tell you how they experience it and what they get out of it. The group has been running for several years for a reason.
In classes we engage in e.g.:
- QiGong: movements in which breathing plays a major role,
- Various meditative movement forms such as: Five Elements Movement Forms, 'the Garden of Peace'.
- Simple meditation techniques.
In the lessons, you will become familiar with these names and forms of movement. First and foremost is the enjoyment of movement; feeling comfortable performing Taiji Tao. We practice both standing and sitting.
Teacher
I have taken classes and courses from various teachers, allowing me to offer a balanced and varied range of Taiji and QiGong forms. Input from participants can help determine the content of the lessons.
The movements/movement forms can be adapted individually. You then learn to adapt them to your own space and abilities. As a result, Taiji Tao is often easy to perform even with physical limitations (e.g. rheumatism or a handicap).
Paul Grefte.
